ADARE is an ancient town, 8 m. S.W. from Limerick, on the banks of the river Maigue, over which there is a good bridge, close to the ruins of the Abbey, whose lofty tower springs from a very curious arch, constructed with four diagonal ogives meeting in the centre. The ruins are yet in pretty good preservation, with beautiful Gothic cloisters, ornamented with escutcheons of arms. The edifice, being of limestone, has a curious yet venerable appearance. See the picturesque ruins of an ancient Castle, once the residence of the potent Earls of Desmond, and often the scene of hostile conflict during the early times, being often besieged and taken by the contending parties. There are vestiges of several other religious edifices; but the town itself is little more than a cluster of cabins, through which the tourist passes in his way to Killarney. In the vicinity is the demesne of the Quin family, beautifully diversified with wood and water, whilst its lawns, sloping down to both banks of the river, offer fine views of the ivied Abbeys nodding their venerable heads over the placid stream. Here too the tourist may wander delighted in silent contemplation through the long-drawn vistas of aged trees, and through shady walks, where once trod the saints and heroes of ancient times. See Mount Shannon, seat of Lord Clare, consisting of a large pile of building ornamented with plantations, near which are seen the environs of Limerick studded with neat houses belonging to its wealthy merchants.
ASKEYTON, 16 m. W. of Limerick, pleasantly situated on the Deel at its confluence with the Shannon; once fortified, now decayed. See the Castle, or rather its ruins; for of this ancient seat of the old Earls of Desmond, little more than one side wall remains. It stood on an island formed by the Deel river. The Hall, once the seat of hospitality, stands upon arches which are still pretty entire, but is now converted into a ball alley. Cross the river, and at the distance of a few hundred yards see the ruins of the Abbey, of which the cloisters still remain almost entire. These are described by Mr. Wakefield as extremely beautiful, being built of sculptured marble; and are perfect, with the exception of two pillars carried away some years ago by some person who considered them as holy reliques. See Bally England Castle ruins; also Ballymort, the beautiful seat of Mr. Massey; Courtferry Castle in ruins; Court, seat of Sir H. Harstonge. Glynn, 8 m. W., near Tarbert in Kerry, is a pleasant little village, seated at the mouth of a small romantic bay, surrounded by hills and high cliffs; with ruins of ancient Castle of the Knights of Glynn. The village of New Bridge, near it, is interesting as a colony of Palatines from Germany settled here by Lord Southwell about a century ago. Mr. Young speaks highly of their industry and cleanliness as superior to their Irish neighbours. Near it, the seat of Mr. Bateman. Rathkeal is a poor decayed village. See ruins of ancient Priory, with curious figure of a monk in a window, painted like Tom of Coventry. Extensive Barracks. Castle in ruins. 2 m. Shanagolden village in the vicinity affords shelter and refreshment. See ruins of Loughgill Castle, on a pleasant stream.